The zippered pockets of our bags keep our belongings safe inside the bag so here is a way to add a zippered pocket to your lining (a slip pocket comes as a bonus, too!). It is actually a simple pouch attached to the lining. Maybe some of you will find this technique easier than other techniques for zippered pockets on the lining. You need two pieces of fabric, for the exterior pocket and … [Read more...]
How to press bags and pouches
A few days ago I wanted to sew a gift for a friend, but what to sew in 3 hours? A few pouches, of course! You know I am a HUGE fan of quilted bags and pouches; if you quilt them properly, after washing, the pressing needs are minimal. If you gift them, that's good news for the new owner of you bags or pouches! Since it wasn't enough time for quilting, just fusing fusible fleece or fusible … [Read more...]
How to shorten zippers for pouches and bags
I have made two pouches for a little girl. Naturally, I made them small and the zippers I have on hand are too long. If this happens to you too, it's not necessary to shop for new zippers, because shortening a zipper is easy task! The zippers can be shorten in different ways and it depends on the technique used for inserting the zipper. One of the easiest way to insert the zipper … [Read more...]
How to sew mini bags using the patterns you already own
I know for sure that a handmade bag made with love for a little girl is one of the most beautiful gifts you could sew! When my sisters need something special for a little girl, they always come to me asking for a little bag. A ready-made bag is never in my stock! A trick! So it was the time to sew a few new little bags and I thought to share with you a little trick that maybe you don't … [Read more...]
Free arm sewing- easy way to finishing bags
Are you new to bag making? I thought to share with you a little trick that makes the finishing of a bag easier. Sometimes we assume that an information is well known by anyone, but I found myself that this is not true! So this little trick is about free-arm sewing and how to use it when stitching bags. Can you remove the bed of your sewing machine? In this way, the sewing machine is … [Read more...]
Card holder tutorial
If you need a "last-minute" gift, here is a fun, quick and easy little project - a card holder that everyone needs. (This post is the second in the series "5 Quick Gifts to sew for Christmas". See all the posts here.) Here is what you need: 2 pieces of fabric and one piece of fusible web (Wonder Under, Vliesofix/Bondaweb, Heat and Bond, Steam a Seam). All pieces must measure 4'' x 9 … [Read more...]
How to Sew a Flat-Felled Seam
Flat felled seam is a strong seam with no raw edge exposed, with a clean and smooth finish on the inside. It's the seam commonly found on jeans and it is great for reversible garments too. I used this seam to join the pieces of a shopping bag. I did not want to use lining and I needed a seam with no raw edges exposed. I used quilt weight fabric for my bag (Heather Bailey). You might think … [Read more...]